Shaheen: re-examine network adequacy standards

Wednesday

Jan 29, 2014 at 5:30 PM

Shaheen asks for examination of standards used to judge provider network adequacy

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen wants the federal government to take another look at the standards it uses to decide whether the health insurance plans offered through the new online marketplace have adequate provider networks.

Shaheen, a Democrat, wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Wednesday asking her to examine the provider network adequacy standards as it provides guidance to insurers planning to participate in the marketplace next year. She also wants consumers to be given more information about network adequacy.

Only one company is offering plans through the marketplace in New Hampshire this year, and its network excludes 10 of the state's 26 acute-care hospitals. Shaheen said she has heard from consumers who have been left without access to providers with whom they have built long-standing relationships.

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